X-ray positioner having integrated display

Abstract

An integrated x-ray imaging detector assembly is provided for use in an x-ray imaging system. An x-ray detector module is supported by a frame and receives a beam of x-rays emitted from an x-ray source and passed through a target along a detector axis. The x-ray detector is further operable to produce electrical signals in response to the received beam of x-rays. A display terminal is supported by the frame and disposed behind the detector module with respect to the direction of x-ray beam travel. The display terminal is configured to receive the electrical signals and produce an output image corresponding to the electrical signals.

We claim:  
     
       1. An integrated x-ray imaging detector assembly for use in an x-ray imaging system, the detector assembly comprising: 
       a support frame;  
       an x-ray detector module supported by the frame and operable to receive a beam of x-rays emitted from an x-ray source and passed through a target along a detector axis, and further operable to produce electrical signals in response to the received beam of x-rays; and  
       a display terminal supported by the frame and disposed behind the detector module with respect to the direction of x-ray beam travel, the display terminal being configured to receive the electrical signals and produce an output image corresponding to the electrical signals.  
     
     
       2. The x-ray imaging detector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the display terminal is aligned with the beam of source x-rays. 
     
     
       3. The x-ray imaging detector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one processing card supported by the frame and disposed behind the detector module with respect to the direction of x-ray beam travel, wherein the processing card is operable to perform at least one of the steps of collecting data from the x-ray detector and providing an interface for a central controller. 
     
     
       4. The x-ray imaging detector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the display terminal is rotatable with respect to the support frame while maintaining registration between the image and the detector module. 
     
     
       5. The x-ray imaging detector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a first lead shield disposed between the x-ray detector and the display terminal and extending substantially parallel therewith. 
     
     
       6. The x-ray imaging detector assembly as recited in  claim 5 , further comprising a second lead shield extending outwardly from a distal end of the support frame. 
     
     
       7. The x-ray imaging detector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the display is a flat panel display. 
     
     
       8. The x-ray imaging detector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the display terminal is hingedly connected to the support frame and rotatable with respect to the x-ray detector module about one of two perpendicular axes. 
     
     
       9. The x-ray imaging detector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a touch screen panel providing for control functions of the x-ray system. 
     
     
       10. The x-ray imaging detector assembly as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the control functions are selected from the group consisting of: x-ray tube voltage and exposure time. 
     
     
       11. The x-ray imaging detector assembly as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising a multi-axis control handle providing motion signals in response to an external stimulus. 
     
     
       12. The x-ray imaging detector assembly as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the processing card provides and interface for a central controller with at least one of the touch screen panel and control handle. 
     
     
       13. The x-ray imaging detector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the processing card provides a multiplexed signal collecting data from the x-ray detector for a central controller. 
     
     
       14. The x-ray imaging detector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the support frame is supported by an articulated arm that has at least two independent axes of motion with respect to the target. 
     
     
       15. The x-ray imaging detector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the detector module receives a collimated x-ray beam from the x-ray source. 
     
     
       16. The x-ray imaging detector assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the image is viewable while the display terminal extends normally with respect to the detector axis and is aligned with the detector module. 
     
     
       17. A method of operating an x-ray imaging system having an x-ray source positioned at one side of a target, and an x-ray detection assembly positioned at another side of the target, the x-ray detection assembly including a support frame, an x-ray detector module supported by the frame, and a display terminal supported by the frame and disposed behind the detector module with respect to the direction of x-ray beam travel, the steps comprising: 
       A) emitting an x-ray beam from the source through the target;  
       B) receiving the x-ray beam at the detector;  
       C) producing electrical signals at the detector module in response to the received beam of x-rays and transmitting the electrical signals to a display terminal; and  
       D) producing an output image at the display terminal, wherein the output image corresponds to the electrical signals.  
     
     
       18. The method as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising rotating the display terminal with respect to the detector module while maintaining registration between the output image and detector module. 
     
     
       19. The method as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising providing a shield to the x-ray beams at a position located downstream of the detector with respect to the direction of x-ray beam travel. 
     
     
       20. The method as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising actuating a touch screen panel to provide control of the x-ray imaging system. 
     
     
       21. The method as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising actuating a control handle to alter the position of the detector assembly.